Boughner said that McFarland will work with the offense, while Capuano will focus on the defense and penalty kill.

“He’s an alumni of the Spitfires so I had a lot of contact with [McFarland]. I know him and his family,’’ Boughner said. “He’s an up-and-coming guy with a lot of structure and detail.

“I’m just happy to have him. He’s a pretty unique guy. He’s 31 years old; he’s already been an accountant and school teacher, and now he’s an NHL hockey coach. He’s a great communicator and that’s what I was looking for, an up-and-coming, passionate guy.’’

Boughner, who didn’t know Capuano before the interview process, explained why he chose him as his associate coach.

“It’s really important and I wanted to make sure I had one guy like that with experience,’’ he said. “He impressed me with how detailed and structured he was and I think that’s going to help our young defensemen.

“Paul will help me up front. We’ll all be together at our development camp next week for our first chance to talk about training camp, schedule, travel and all those things.’’

Boughner said Capuano’s title as associate coach is more out of respect than him being a head coach in waiting.

“We just want to win. It doesn’t matter who gets credit for it or what title you have,’’ Boughner said. “If that happens, I think everyone will have success and he’ll go on to become a head coach again. We all know that. For me I feel fortunate to have him on the bench next to me to draw off his experience and make me better.’’

McFarland, 31, is the older brother of former Panthers forward John McFarland, a second-round pick (33) in 2010 who played three games for Florida in 2015-16, but is now playing in Europe.

“I'm thrilled about joining the Panthers organization and having an opportunity to work with Dale, Bob and the tremendous staff that Bob has assembled,” McFarland said. “I look forward to working with the Panthers and helping a talented, young team compete toward their goal of winning the Stanley Cup.”

Before joining the Panthers, Boughner was as assistant coach under former Panthers coach Pete DeBoer in San Jose, and McFarland played for DeBoer with the Kitchener Rangers from 2002-04. They won an OHL championship together in 2003.

For the last three years McFarland has been head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs (2014-17) of the OHL, compiling a 111-71-22 record and three trips to the playoffs.

Prior to joining Kingston, McFarland, a native of Richmond Hill, Ont, served as assistant coach of the Oshawa Generals (2012-14).

McFarland played for Windsor (2005-06), a season before Boughner began coaching the Spitfires and eventually owning the franchise. McFarland was captain of Windsor.

Following his OHL career, McFarland played four seasons for Acadia University where he was named an Academic All-Canadian three times and served as captain for three seasons (2007-10).

During his time at Acadia University, McFarland was named University Male Citizen of the Year in 2008 and 2009. The Paul McFarland Award was established in his honor which recognizes the combination of athletics, academics and community involvement.